Short filler bunch machine



Jan. 18, 1944. M. PATTERSON 2,339,605

SHORT FILLER BUNCH MACHINE Filed March 5, 1941 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 174 176 170 172 160 146 145 F I6. I

I ATTORNEY Jan. 18,1944. M PATTERSON 2,339,605

SHORT FILLER BUNCH MACHINE Filed Mar 'ch 5, 1941 2 Shee't S- Sheet 2 l T INVENTOR MOREHEAD PATTERSON ATTORNEY Patented Jan. 18, 1944 asserts SHORT FILLER BUNCH MACHINE Morehead Patterson, New York, N. Y., assignor to International Cigar -lvlfachinery Company, a corporation of New Jersey Application March 5, 1941, Serial No. 381,796

25 Claims.

This invention relates to mechanism for feeding tobacco to cigar machines and has for an object the provision of improvements in devices for feeding quantities of short filler tobacco to mechanism which forms a bunch charge therefrom and delivers all or a part of any surplus tobacco remaining after the formation of a bunch charge back to the supply from which a quantity was fed.

In some machines now in use, it is customary to build up a column of tobacco to which additions are usually made cyclically, but occasionally due to the presence of an excess in the column the feeding operation is interrupted for one or more cycles until it is necessary to add again to the column in order to maintain it in a predetermined condition with respect to quantity and density. I have provided a simplified machine which eliminates control devices operative in response to the presence of tobacco in a chamber and means for feeding a quantity of tobacco every cycle thereto, wherein the tobacco is compacted to proper density after which sufficient tobacco is separated from each compacted quantity to form a bunch charge and then is transferred to suitable bunch rolling mechanism. In order to provide sufiicient tobacco for forming a bunch, a quantity sufliciently in excess of that needed for a charge is fed each cycle of the machine and all excess or a part thereof not needed for the charge may be removed from the chamber by suitable mechanism, preferably by pneumatic means, such as suction, and conducted back to the source of supply.

A further object of my invention, therefore, is

the provision of improved mechanism for forming short filler charges by providing means for the charge and separating therefrom a bunch charge which eliminates the necessity of skipping feeding cycles, proportioning the increments fed and simplifies the machine construction because of the lack or necessity of control means for interrupting the feed Whenever too much tobacco has been fed.

A further object of my invention consists in the provision of suction means for removing excess tobacco from charge forming .mechanism so that after a charge of the proper quantity has been formed, the excess may be returned for reintroduction into the supply.

My invention is further characterized by the provision of mechanism for forming bunch charges without the necessity of resorting to the building up of acolumn of tobacco containing which feeds short filler tobacco to a substantially horizontal charge compression chamber having associated therewith a fluid conveying duct'f0': removing surplus tobaccofrom the chamber after the formation of each bunch'charge and prior to the introduction into the chamber of a new quantity of tobacco from which the next charge is to be cut. i

It is a further object of my invention to provide simplified mechanism for forming bunch charges of. tobacco With the 'elimination'of tobacco feeding control devices. I

My invention also consists in the provision of feeding a given quantity of tobacco each cycle of the machine and forming measured bunch charges from each quantity fed without the necessity of skipping feeding cycles to obtain this result.

' My invention also consists in the provision of means for feeding quantities of tobacco in excess of normal bunchcharge requirements, separating a bunch charge from each quantity fed, returning a part of the surplus to the supply, and maintaining a substantially constant amount of surplus tobacco availablefor association with the next quantity fed.

With these and other objects not specifically mentioned in view, the invention consists in certain combinations and constructions which will be hereinafter fully described, and then set forth in the claims hereunto appended.

In the accompanying drawings which form a part of this specification, and in which like characters of reference indicate the same or like parts:

Figure 1 is a partial sectional side elevation of the machine;

.Figure 2 is a partial sectional side elevation of the 'machine disclosing a nrodified feeding arrangement; and

:Figure' 3 is anend view of "the adjustable cam shown in Figure 2.

Referring to the drawings, which show a preferred form of my invention, in Figure 1 the scrap or short filler tobacco T is fed by suitable means, such as hopper III, which may be resiliently supported by a number of leaf springs l2 mounted on a vibrator base 14 connected to the hopper supporting frame IS in a manner similar to that disclosed in co-pending application, Serial No. 93,244, filed March 1, 1938, by James P. Durning. Vibrator base I4 is provided with lugs l8 on each side thereof, supporting studs 20 which mount a magnet supporting bracket 22 holding a magnet 24 working in conjunction with an armature 26 secured to a lug 28 of hopper l0. By increasing or decreasing the gap between the magnet 24 and the armature 26, the amplitude of vibration can be changed to any desired degree, thus making it possible to feed any type of scrap tobacco with equally good results.

The bottom portion of hopper I is provided with a step 30, which in conjunction with oscillating rakes 32, divides the hopper into a storage chamber formed by the side and rear walls extending upward from the bottom supporting surface 34 in which the tobacco T is placed, and a feeding surface 35 over which travels a thin layer of tobacco to a scale pan 38, described more fully hereinafter. The arrangement of the rakes 32 and their operation is substantially the same as disclosed in the above mentioned application, and therefore, a description of the same in the present case is omitted in the interest of brevity.

The vibrationof the hopper with the bulk supply of tobacco T contained therein, moves the tobacco againstrakes 32 which confine it in the hopper. When the rakes travel back and forth across the face of the tobacco during the intermittent vibrations of the hopper, they separate tobacco in controlled quantities from the face of the supply so that it passes between the rakes and forms a thin stream on the surface 36 where due to the vibration the stream of tobacco is delivered to the scale pan 38. Because of the position of the tips of rakes 32 adjacent surface 36 and their relationship to step 30, all tobacco fed passes between the rakes.

The scale pan 38 in the form shown (Figure 1) is located adjacent and preferably beneath the mouth of feed trough 36am! consists of a substantially vertical plate. 40 carried by arms 42 which are mounted on a shaft 44, the upper end of plate 40 supporting a pivoted receptacle 46, which together with plate 40, forms the pan in which the tobacco accumulates. Shaft 44 supports a threaded stud 43 carrying a movable weight which serves the purpose of balancing the scale pan as well as determining the quantity of tobacco required to trip the same.

When the desired quantity of tobaccohas accumulated in the scale pan 38 it will swing downwardly on shaft 44 to discharge position thereby causing a switch, such as mercury switch 52, attached to shaft 44 to assume an angular position and break an electric circuit connecting the vibrator magnet 24, thus stopping the vibration of hopper H), the oscillation of rakes 32 and, consequently, the flow of tobacco to the scale pan, all as described and shown in said application. To prevent tobacco from falling into the scale pan 38 after the same is located in discharge position, a control gate or shutter 54 swings downwardly and closes feeding surface 36 against further discharge into pan 38 aslsoon as the vibration of the hopper has stopped. Since the construction and operation of shutter 54 forms no part of my invention, it is deemed unnecessary to describe it further.

With the scale pan tripped, the measured quantity of tobacco is discharged therefrom and transferred through a guide chute into a magazine 56. This guide chute, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, consists of a pair of spaced stationary vertical side guide plates 58, a movable gate normally closing the tobacco feedin opening in magazine 56, and a tobacco distributing guide plate 62 movable to and from gate 69. Members 69 and 62 are so connected as to operate in synchronism with one another, that as gate 65 moves into magazine closing position, plate 62 moves backwardly therefrom and distributes the tobacco in the magazine. It will be seen that when a quantity of tobacco is being discharged. from the scale pan 33, the gate 60 which is then substantially vertical and plate 62 which is then inclined towards gate 60 (Figure 2) form what may be designated a substantially V-shaped receiving device so that pieces of tobacco falling therein are constrained to turn as they strike the walls thereof and accumulate therein in substantially aligned condition, that is, with their lengths extending in the same general direction.

Plate 62 is attached to a flange 64 mounted on a shaft 86 loosely supported in bearings of a bracket 68 attached to a support It! secured to frame 53. Shaft 66 also mounts a lever 12 connected by a link E4 to a lever 16 attached to a shaft 18 supported by the magazine 55. The magazine ate 6t is secured on shaft '13 which is rocked by a lever also fastened on shaft 18. Lever Bl! receives its motion from rod 82 connected to lever 84 mounted on shaft 86. The shaft 86 carries a lever 88 which is joined to one end of a rod 90 connected to a cam lever 92 which is loosely mounted on a shaft 94 of the machine. Lever 92'is provided with a cam follower 96 engaging a cam track (not shown) of cam 98.

The charge compression chamber or magazine 55, shown, is of the same general type and con- 7 struction as that disclosed and described in the application previously mentioned, and hence a detailed description of the same is omitted in the interest of brevity.

.As the gate 8!! ascends, its upper end engages a trip member, which may take the form of a prong 505} mounted on scale receptacle 45, and causes the receptacle to swing away from plate 48 thereby discharging the tobacco from the scale pan into the funnel formed by side walls 58,. the magazine gate 66], and plate 62. Plate 62, due to its connection with the gate, moves inwardly (as indicated by the arrow) while the gate moves to its open position (as seen in Figure 2). ,As gate 50 descends, the tobacco charge is guided into and distributed in the magazine by plate 62. The coaction of the gate with plate 62 during the downward travel of the gate transfers the tobacco charge in a most desirable manner and helps to avoid disturbing the substantial alignment of the tobacco pieces.

The disengagement of gate 60 from prong Hill of the scale receptacle allows the latter to swing by gravity back into engagement with plate 40 and be ready to receive a new quantity of tobacco from the hopper Ill.

With gate 60 in its closed position (as shown in Figure 1) plunger I02 attached to rod I04, will compress each quantity fed into the chamber to desired density and press a charge into the pocket of the transfer P. Any desired density can be obtained by controlling the.- tension of: spring I06- whioh bears against a socket, III8slidab1y mount.- ed upon. a red I I2 carried bya block, II I, which socket W8. is provided with an adjusting screw H9, for moving the socket to, and from block. H4. Plunger I02 is reciprocated. intermittently in chamber 56 by lever H6 controlledby links lit and IZII andan arm I22 pivoted on a stud IN toproduce parallel motion through a: two-arm cam lever I26 having a follower I28 engaging in a cam track (not shown) of a. cam I30.

With. the charge 0. lodged in the transfer P, a reciprocating knif I32 of conventional type, such as shown in the above referred to application, severs the, charge from the tobacco column, and the transfer, which, may take the form of that shown in the application hereinabove referred to, by suitable means then moves to the position shown in dotted lines and delivers the charge into a loop I34 of a rolling apron I36.

The scale pan 38 is so adjusted that it accumulates and discharges for delivery into the magazine once each cycle of the machine an amount of tobacco sufficiently in excess of that needed to produce a charge. After each quantity T has been compacted into a column of uniform density and a charge C cut therefrom, any remaining tobacco of the column or the excess tobacco X not needed for the charge is withdrawn from the magazine 56 by suitable means and returned to the hopper I As shown in Figures 1 and 2. I employ pneumatic means, such as suction, for this purpose. It will be evident that my mechanism operates to form measured bunch charges of substantially uniform density from each quan tity of tobacco fed tothe chamber or magazine, and thus makes unnecessary controls, trips, or other devices for determining whether; or not additional quantities of tobacco should b fed to maintain, at all times, a column of tobacco for i bunch charge formation. In this manner tobacco will be fed every cycle of the machine, and thereby eliminate the necessity of skipping feeding cycles.

After the plunger I192 has returned to its start ing position, the gate 6!) begins its ascent to engage the prong IIIIJ of the scale to receive an additional charge of tobacco. The movement of the gate causes shaft '18 to turn which also turns a gear I38 fixed to said shaft in mesh with a suitable gear I4ll of proper ratio secured to a shaft I42 supporting a gate or valve I44 which forms a part of the upper wall of chamber 56 and normally remains closed to hold tobacco in the chamber in a manner similar to gate 68.. It will be apparent that the turning of gears I38-I4II causes the gate hit toopen for removal of the excess tobacco X (see Figure 1) from the chamber. As shown in dotted lines (Figure 1) gate I-I4 moves into substantially aligned relationship. with cut out portion I II of duct I'II'I.

Shortly before gates I l land $9 pivot upwardly, a valve I46, located in pipe I48 connected to the source of conveying fluid or suction, ismoved from its closed to its open position in readiness to effect the removal f the surplus tobacco X from the magazine 55. Valve M6 is secured to a stud I59 which carries an arm I52 supporting one end of a rod I54 connected at its other end to the up per end of a bell crank lever I56 loosely mounted on a shaft I58. The opposite end of lever I55 supports a rod connected to a cam lever I52 loosely mounted on shaft 3A, which lever is equipped with a cam follower I54 engaging a cam I66. When roller I64 rides on the depressed portion Hit of, cam: Hit. a. va ve; 25 is its open E sition, and asgate I44 opens, the suction, will, ef-

foot the removal of tobacco X. through a duct, Ill) leading to a storage chamber I12 into which excess tobacco is collected. A screen I74, fastened to the wall II-Ii of chamber I12, prevents the tobacco from bein sucked through pipe I48 and causes the tobacco pieces to fall onto atrap door I18 which, at this time, is in its closed po sition (as shown in dotted lines). When roller I64 engages th outer rim I89 of cam Hit, the valve I is again moved to its closed position, and is so timed that it cuts on the suction in duct IIII before the ascending gate to encounters the prong IlliI to release the accumulated tobacco into the chamber 5%. The suction valve remains in the closed position until cam roller I64. again rides along cam surface I58. When the suction has been shut off in conduit I'm, the trap door I18 is swung to its open position (shown in full lines in Figure 1) thereby allowing the collected tobacco to fall into the hopper I 0.

The door I'IS is opened by means of a high portion I32 of a cam IS E engaging a roller I86 carried by a cam lever I38 mounted on shaft 94, which supports a rod I953 connected to a bellcrank lever M2 on shaft I58. The upper end of lever I62 supports a rod ISII connected to the door W3 and in this manner a swinging motion is imparted to the door. When roller Hi6 rides off cam surface I82 it encounters the surface I95 of the cam, whereby the door is returned to its closed position Where it remains until surface I82 again encounters the cam roller.

As shown in Figure 1 the electrical control of my invention. may be somewhat similar to that shown in the above referred to co-pending ap plication. An electric circuit is provided in which are connected switch 52, relay R, solenoid S and vibratory magnet 21. When scale pan 3B is positioned to receive tobacco, switch 52 is in circuit closing position and relay R is energized to effect the operation of solenoid S and vibratory magnet 24 thereby oscillating the rakes and vi brating the hopper. When the scale pan 38 trips, the circuit through switch 52 is broken, relay R is deenergized and the operation of rakes and vibrator are interrupted.

Figures 2 and 3 show a modified form of my invention. According to this embodiment the short filler tobacco is placed in the hopper II) which receives Vibratory motion from vibrator 242fi with which cooperate rakes for confining the bulk supply of tobacco on the supporting portion 3a of the hopper so that when the rakes are oscillated in timed relation with the hopper, limited quantities of tobacco may be fed over surface 36. This mechanism. is substantially the same in construction and operation as that shown in Figure 1,.

Referring to Figure 2 it will be seen that tobacco is fed intermittently and cyclically in a thin layer or stream and discharged from the hopper through a stationary guide chute 200 into the funnel formed by gate Iiil and distributing plate 62 when these members are in their tobacco receiviing and aligning position, as described hereinafter. The movements imparted to gate BI) and distributing plate 62 are accomplished in the same manner as described previously by means of cam 58. Shortly before the gate moves to close chamber 555 against the introduction of additional tobacco and plate't? withdraws to its inoperative position, the hopper vibration and rake oscillation are stopped thereby discontinuing the feed of tobacco to the chute 200, by means to be described hereinafter. Gate 60 in descending from the full line to dotted line position of Figure 2 with the aid of plate 62, transfers the quantity of tobacco accumulated therein as the result of the last feeding operation of the hopper and rakes in the manner described hereinabove into magazine 56 in substantially aligned condition whereupon reciprocated plunger I32 is set into operation to compact the quantity of tobacco fed and press a charge C of predetermined density and volume into the pocket of transfer P.

The operation of plunger I32, which is the same as that in the mechanism shown in Figure l, is so controlled that, after it has compressed the tobacco to predetermined density in order to form as uniform bunches as possible, it dwells in compacting position whereupon a knife I32 moves transversely to the column of compacted tobacco and severs a charge C from the column whereupon the plunger withdraws to its extreme limit in the chamber (as shown in Figure 2 in full lines). Transfer P, with its charge C, thereupon moves to discharge position (shown in dotted lines) for delivery of the measured charge into the loop I34 of the bunch rolling apron I36.

The mechanism shown in Figure 2 eliminates the necessity of providing means for measuring tobacco fed from hopper l3, makes unnecessary the building up of a column of tobacco suiTlcient to form several bunches in magazine 56, and, therefore, makes it possible to form substantially uniform bunch charges without employing control devices and trips which usually allow skipping of feeding cycles in the event that a column of tobacco in the magazine is so great that additional tobacco cannot be fed thereto. In order to achieve this purpose I have provided means for feeding quantities somewhat in excess of that required for a bunch charge and maintaining a predetermined excess of tobacco in the charge compression chamber in order to compensate for any possible over or under feeds which might arise or differences in feed when the bulk supply has been substantially exhausted.

The cyclic feeding period of hopper i ii is determined by means of an adjustable cam mechanism which includes a cam 202 tracked by a cam follower 204 carried by cam lever 205 mounted on shaft 94. Lever 236 is provided with a suitable electric contact 208 engageable with a stationary contact 2H1 mounted on a bracket 2| 2 fixed to the frame of the machine. With the contact 208, 2H1 closed, the vibrator 2426 is energized through wires 2I4, 2 it; and 2H3 and will continue to feed tobacco so long as follower 204 rides along the cam surface 220 but when the follower rides on surface 222 the lever 236 Will move contact 238 out of engagement with contact 2 Hi and break the circuit to the vibrator which stops the vibrating motion of the hopper and also the oscillating motion of the rakes 32. Cam 242 and cam piece 224 are adjustably held together by the screws 226 passing through slots 228 in order to permit the advancement or retardment of their relative position for adjusting the feeding time to suit different types of tobacco and thereby control the quantity fed per cycle.

As described hereinabove, the tobacco is fed. intermittently into the charge compression chamber in quantities in excess of that required for forming an individual bunch charge. The arrangement is such that there is always maintained in the chamber 56 a substantially constant surplus quantity of tobacco X thereby contributing to the formation of more uniform bunch charges. In order to achieve this result, the bottom wall of the chamber 56' is provided with a movable portion, such as a valve or gate 230 pivotally mounted at 23l, which gate is normally maintained in closed position in order to form a part of the lower wall of the chamber 55'. A suitable plate 233 fastened to gate 230 limits its upward movement. After each charge C has been cut from the column of tobacco and the plunger I02 has been withdrawn to its inoperative position, gate 230 is lowered thereby releasing a portion of the tobacco Y of the column compacted by plunger I02 for return to the source of supply by way of conduit 232 as by timed means of suction or other suitable means. Gate 60 is swung to open position preferably at the same time that gate or valve 230 moves downwardly. In this way removal of tobacco Y is assured. Gate 230, however, is closed before the next quantity of tobacco is fed into chamber 56'. The normal compaction of the tobacco in the column is sufficient to allow portion X thereof to remain substantially undisturbed by the action of the suction which removes portion Y because gate 230 in moving downwardly loosens the tobacco supported thereby and makes it readily transferable through pipe 232. The suction valve control as well as the excess tobacco catcher is the same as shown in Figure 1.

The door 230 is controlled by a cam 234 which engages a cam follower 236 carried by a cam lever 238 mounted on shaft 94. This cam lever supports a rod 240 connected to an arm 242 loose on a shaft 244, the opposite end of arm 242 supporting a rod 246 connected to the door 230. With the door in its closed position (as shown) the cam follower 236 is in engagement with cam surface 248, when the raised surface 250 engages the roller 236 the door is opened and remains open until the cam follower 236 again engages surface 248. When the excess tobacco Y has been withdrawn from the magazine 56' and door 230 returns to its closed position, the gate 60 and plate 62 ascend to their open position whereupon the hopper l0 and rakes 32 are set in motion to again feed tobacco.

A rheostat 252 may be included in the circuit 2| 4, 2l6 and 2I8 in order to electrically vary the vibrations imparted to the hopper H] which provides means for changing the amount of tobacco fed.

The invention above described may be varied in construction within the scope of the claims, for the particular device, selected to illustrate the invention, is but one of many possible concrete embodiments of the same. It is not, therefore, to be restricted to the precise details of the structure shown and described.

What is claimed is:

l. The method of forming cigar bunch charges of tobacco, which comprises intermittently feeding from a bulk supply of tobacco a quantity in excess of the charge to be formed, confining all of each quantity of tobacco fed in a column having a cross-section approximately the length and width of a charge in a restricted and enclosed space, separating from said column sufficient tobacco to constitute a complete charge, transferring said charge from said column, and cyclically returning all excess tobacco constituting the balance of said column remaining confined in said space to said supply.

2. The method of forming cigar bunch charges of tobacco, which comprises intermittently feeding from a supply-of tobacco quantities inlexcess of bunch charges to be formed, confining each quantity in a column having a cross-section approximately the length and width of a change in a restricted space, separating from said confined column of tobacco sufficient tobacco to form a complete bunch charge, maintaining said separated charge segregated from any surplus tobacco remaining compacted in said space, releasing a portion of any excess tobacco from confinement in said space, and returning said released portion to said supply.

3. The method of forming cigar bunch charges of tobacco which comprises intermittently "feeding a quantity in excess of that required from a bulk supply of tobacco, confining saidtobacco 'in a restricted and enclosed space, substantially aligning the pieces of tobacco prior to their introduction into said space, compacting 'said confined tobacco into a column having a'predetermined density, separating a complete bunch charge from an end of said column of tobacco after it has'been compacted within said confined space, removing excess tobacco from said space prior to the removal of a separated charge therefrom and reintroducing said removed tobacco into said bulk supply,

4. The method of forming short filler cigar bunch charges which comprises feeding short filler tobacco from a bulk supply of tobacco in a quantity in excess of that required for a charge, confining and compacting said tobacco in an enclosed and restricted space to a predetermined density, separating a complete'bunch charge from said compacted tobacco while still under compaction, and subjecting all excess tobacco remaining confined in said space after the separation of a complete charge therefrom to fluid pressure to remove it from said space and reintroduceit into said bulk supply.

5. The method of forming short filler cigar bunch charges, which comprises feedingaquantity of tobacco from a bulk supply, forming a column of short filler tobacco having cross-section approximately the length and Width ofa bunch charge from that fed from said supply,compacting said column to a predetermined density, separating a complete measured bunch charge from said compacted column, removing all buta predetermined quantity of tobaccofrom said column after the separation of said charge, and then adding another quantity of tobacco to said column preparatory to forming the next of .asuccession of bunch charges.

6. The method of forming shortfiller tobacco cigar bunch charges which comprises feeding a quantity of short filler tobacco from a bulk supply, forming said quantity into a column having a cross-section approximately the length and width of a bunch charge, compacting said column to predetermined density, cutting a complete bunch charge from said compacted column, transferring said charge from said zone of cutting, and prior to said transfer of said charge, removing excess tobacco from said column and reintroducing it into said supply.

7. The method of forming'short fillezmtobacco cigar bunch charges which comprises intermittently feeding a quantity in excess of that required for forming a bunch from a bulk supply,

forming said quantity into a column having a cross-section substantially equal to the length and zwidth -of a bunch charge, compacting said column to a predetermined density, substantially aligning said tobacco prior to its formation into a column, moving a separating member through one end of said column to separate a bunch charge therefrom while holding said charge and excess tobacco against disturbance in column formation, and prior to the removal of said member withdrawing excess tobacco of :said columnand returning it to said supply.

-8. In a cigar machine, a source of supply of tobacco, a charge compression chamber, means iorintermittently feeding quantities of tobacco from said supply to said chamber, mechanism for separating a complete measured bunch charge from said quantity in said chamber, a charge transfer for said charge, means for returning excess tobacco remaining in said chamber to said source of supply after separation-of each bunch charge, and a bunch rolling apron positioned adjacent said transfer receiving :said bunch charge.

9. In a cigar machine, a source of supply of tobacco, means for intermittently feeding vquantities of tobacco f'romsaid supply, .charge forming mechanism including a tobacco receiving and compressing chamber positioned to receive said quantities oftobacco fed from said supply, means for separating :a measured bunch charge from said quantities of tobacco in said chamber, a charge transfer for said charge, and means for returning surplus tobacco to said source of supply after the separation oi a bunch charge and before the next quantity of tobacco is fed to said-chamber. v

10. In a cigar machine, a'source of supply of (tobacco, a tobacco receiving and confining device, means for intermittently feeding quantities of tobacco from said supply to-said device, means for forming said quantities into a compacted column in said device having a cross-section substantially the same in length and width as a bunch charge, means for separating a bunch charge from said column, and means for returning surplus tobacco to said supply after the separationof a bunch charge from said column in said chamber.

1 -1. In "a :cigar machine, the combination with a source of supply of short filler tobacco, of means operative-each'cycle of said machine for intermittently i'eedinga quantity of short filler tobacco greater *than that required for forming a cigar bunch, a confining chamber'positioned to receive said quantity, means for separating a measured bunch charge from said tobacco con- .fined in said chamber, and mechanism for maintaining av substantially constant-volume of surplus tobacco in said chamber, including means for removing a portion of the excess tobacco remaining in said chamberaf-ter the formation :of said charge 'prior to the introduction-of the next quantity into said chamber.

12. vIn acigar machine, thecombination with a source of supply of tobacco, and mechanism for feeding quantities of tobacco therefrom, ofa charge compression chamber, *means for int-roducin'g eachouantityof tobacco into said chamber, means for forming all of each quantity of tobacco in said chamber into a compacted column of approximately the Width and length of a bunch charge, means forseparating-a bunch charge from said :compacted column, "a duct joined to said chamber, 'avalve separating said duct "from said chamber, means for opening "said 'valve -to connect said duct and said chamber after -the -'separation of each 'charge, and means -for'creating suction in said duct once each cycle of said machine to remove from saidv chamber excesstobacco of each column after the formation of each' charge.

13. In a cigar machine, the combination with a bulk supply of short filler tobacco, of means for. intermittently feeding quantities of tobacco from said supply, a, confining device positioned to receive said tobacco, means for compacting each quantity of tobacco received in said device to predetermined density, means for cutting a bunch charge of tobacco from each compacted quantity, a duct connected to said device, a gate closing said duct during the operation of said compacting and cutting means, and means operable after a charge has been cut for moving said gate to direct suction through said duct into said device for removing therefrom excess tobacco remaining therein and returning it to said supply.

14. In a cigar machine of the class described,

a hopper containing a supply of short filler tobacco, a charge receiving chamber, means for intermittently feeding quantities of tobacco greater than needed for the formation of a single complete bunch charge from said hopper to said 15. In a cigar machine of the type described, I

a hopper, a measuring device, a charge receiving chamber positioned to receive tobacco from said measuring device, means for intermittently feeding tobacco from said hopper to said device, means for interrupting the feed of tobacco to said device when a predetermined quantity of tobacco has been fed thereto, a gate forming a closure for said chamber, means for opening said gate and discharging said tobacco from said device into said chamber, a duct connected to said chamber, means for cutting a charge of tobacco from the quantity received in said chamber, a gate normally closing said duct, means as sociated with said last-named gate for opening 7 said duct into said chamber after acharge has been cut, and pneumatic means for transporting excess tobacco of said quantity through said duct and returning it to said hopper.

16. In a cigar machine of the type described,

a hopper, a measuring device, a charge receiving chamber positioned to receive tobacco from said measuring device, means for intermittently feeding tobacco from said hopper to said device, a gate forming a closure for said chamber, means for opening said gate and discharging said tobacco from said device into said chamber, a duct connected to said chamber, a gate normally closing said duct, means for cutting a charge of tobacco from each quantity received in said chamber, means associated with said last-named gate for opening said duct into said chamber after a charge has been cut, and pneumatic means for returning the balance of each quantity through said duct to said hopper.

17. In a cigar machine of the type described, a hopper, a measuring device, a charge receiving chamber positioned to receive tobacco from said measuring deivce, means for intermittently feeding tobaccolfrom said hOP'per to said device, a

gate forming a closure for said chamber, means for opening said gate and discharging said tobacco from said device into said chamber, a duct connected to said chamber, a gate normally closing said duct, means for cutting a charge of tobacco from each quantity received in said chamber, shafts mounting said gates, intermeshing gears on said shafts, means for turning said shafts and gears to move said gates to said chamber and said duct to open positions after a charge has been cut, and pneumatic means for returning the balance of each quantity through said duct to said hopper.

18. In a cigar machine, a source of supply of short filler tobacco, means for cyclically feeding quantities of tobacco in excess of that required for a bunch charge from said source, a chamber arranged to receive said quantities of tobacco, said chamber having an opening normally closed by a gate against introduction of tobacco thereto, a duct connected to said chamber, a valve normally closing said duct, means for separating a measured bunch charge from each quantity of tobacco fed to said chamber, means for moving said valve to open said duct into said chamber, means for creating suction in said duct to remove from said chamber tobacco remaining after the formation of a bunch charge, a catch receptacle for said returned tobacco, and means for discharging said tobacco from said receptacle into said source of supply.

19. In a cigar machine, a source of supply of short filler tobacco, means for cyclically feeding quantities of tobacco greater than required for a cigar bunch from said source, a chamber arranged to receive said quantity, said chamber having an opening normally closed by a gate against introduction of tobacco thereto, a duct connected to said chamber, a valve normally closing said duct, means for separating a measured bunch charge from said quantity of tobacco fed to said chamber, means for moving said valve to open said duct into said chamber, means for creating suction in said duct to remove from said chamber tobacco remaining after the formation of a bunch charge, said last-named means comprising a valve in said duct, and means for opening said valve in timed relation to the movement of said valve adjacent said chamber for creating said suction in said duct.

20. In a cigar machine having a source of supply of short filler tobacco, and means for intermittently feeding quantities of tobacco therefrom once each cycle of said machine, a charge compression chamber having an opening through which quantities of tobacco are fed into said chamber, a gate normally closing said opening, means for compacting each quantity fed to said chamber into a column of predetermined density from which a bunch charge is cut, a duct positioned adjacent and connected to said chamber, a valve normally shutting said duct off from said chamber, means for moving said valve cyclically to open said duct into said chamber, means for creating suction in said duct to remove surplus tobacco in said chamber following the formation Of each charge, and means for moving said gate to open said chamber for the introduction of additional tobacco.

21. In a cigar machine having a source of .supply of short filler tobacco, and means for cyinto said chamber, a gate normally closing said opening, means for forming each quantity of tobacco into a column from which a single charge is cut, a duct positioned adjacent and connected to said chamber, a cyclically operated valve normally shutting said duct off from said chamber, means for moving said valve to open said duct into said chamber, means for creating suction in said duct to withdraw surplus tobacco in said chamber following the formation of a charge for return to said source, and means for opening said gate for the introduction of an additional quantity of tobacco to said chamber.

22. In a cigar machine, the combination with a source of supply of tobacco, and mechanism for feeding quantities of tobacco therefrom, of a substantially horizontal charge compression chamher having a charge feeding end, means for introducing each quantity of tobacco into said chamber, means for forming each quantity of tobacco fed to said chamber into a compacted column, a charge transfer constructed and arranged to be moved into and out of operative alignment with said chamber end, means located for movement between said transfer and chamber end for separating a charge from each of said compacted tobacco quantities in said chamber, and means for withdrawing surplus tobacco from adjacent the end of said chamber following the separation of a charge.

23. In a cigar machine, the combination with a source of supply of tobacco, and mechanism for feeding quantities of tobacco therefrom, of a substantially horizontal charge compression chamber having a charge feeding end, means for introducing each quantity of tobacco into said chamber, means for forming each quantity of tobacco fed to said chamber into a compacted column, a charge transfer constructed and arranged to be moved into and out of operative alignment with said chamber end, means located for movement between said transfer and chamber end for separating a charge from each of said compacted tobacco quantities in said chamber, and means for withdrawing surplus tobacco from adjacent the end of said chamber following the separation of a charge, said last-named means comprising a duct joined to said chamber, a valve separating said duct from said chamber, means for opening said valve to connect said duct and said chamber after the separation of each charge, and means for creating suction in said duct once each cycle of said machine to remove from said chamber excess tobacco of each column after the formation of each charge,

24. In a cigar machine, the combination with a hopper containing a supply of tobacco, of a charge compression chamber, means for feeding quantities of tobacco from said hopper to said chamber, means for forming said quantities into a column in said chamber, said column being adapted to contain tobacco in excess of one and less than two bunch charges, means for separating a measured bunch charge of tobacco from said column, said chamber including means for withdrawing all but a substantially constant amount of tobacco from said column, and means for maintaining said substantially constant amount of tobacco in saidchamber for associaticn with the next quantity of tobacco fed into said chamber. 25. In a cigar machine, the combination with a hopper containing a supply of short filler tobacco, of a charge compression chamber, means for feeding quantities of tobacco from said supply into said chamber, means for compacting said tobacco in said chamber into a column of predetermined density and approximately the width of a desired charge, said column being adapted to contain tobacco in excess of one and less than two bunch charges, means for cutting a bunch charge from said column, means for operating said feeding means for adding more tobacco to said chamber after a charge has been cut from said column, and means for withdrawing all but a given amount of tobacco from said column after the cutting of a bunch charge therefrom to maintain the retained part of tobacco in said chamber substantially constant at all times.

MOREHEAD PATTERSON. 

